And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down.

2 KINGS 11:6KJV
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2 Kings 11:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 11:6 mean?

2 Kings 11:6 describes how a group of guards was to be divided into three parts to watch over different entrances to the royal house, making sure it stayed protected and secure. This careful arrangement was meant to prevent anyone from breaking in or causing harm during a tense time.

In this verse, Jehoiada the priest is giving instructions to the temple guards as part of a plan to protect the young king Joash from threats, especially from Queen Athaliah who had seized power. The guards are told to station themselves at specific gates and behind the guard post, ensuring constant vigilance over the house. This detailed plan highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for strong security.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 11:6

  • "gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): This word refers to an entrance or gateway, which in ancient cities and palaces was a key point for defense and control. The mention of specific gates shows the strategic placement of the guards.
  • "Sur" (סוּר, sur): This is likely a proper name for a particular gate or location within the palace complex, though its exact location is uncertain. Naming it suggests a well-known spot to those present.
  • "guard" (רָצָה, ratzah): This word often refers to a group of runners or guards, emphasizing their role as protectors and enforcers of security in the royal household.
  • "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This verb means to watch, guard, or keep, underlining the active duty of the guards to maintain vigilance and prevent any breach.

Why 2 Kings 11:6 matters

  • The verse shows the level of planning and seriousness involved in protecting Joash, the rightful heir, during a dangerous power struggle.
  • It highlights the importance of organization and trust in those assigned to guard the king, reflecting the high stakes of the situation.
  • Understanding these details helps make sense of the larger story, where the survival of the Davidic line depended on careful action and loyalty from a small group of faithful people.

Where else these words appear

“watch” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

“guard” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

“part” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
  • Judges 20:30 And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:10 The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: